I’ve always been loved ferns and other ancient plants. They hold a fascination I can’t fully explain. It’s partly it’s their ancient lineage, their strange way of reproduction, their fractal symmetry. In the end it’s just because I like them.

Ferns were a big part of my motivation for studying plant biology at university. I still enjoy growing and propagating them today.These days I’ve got what sometimes feels like an impractically large collection of tree ferns – mainly hardy Dicksonias. This one is a Cyathea, smaller and more delicate, and overwinters in the conservatory. As a result it’s the first to start growing in the spring. It’s always a delight to see the first croziers of spring.

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